Themed collection 2013 Journal of Materials Chemistry A Hot Papers

53 items
Highlight

A new family of carbon materials: synthesis of MOF-derived nanoporous carbons and their promising applications

In this highlight article, we briefly review the recent progress in preparation of the novel nanoporous carbons derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Some of their promising applications, particularly in energy and environment-related areas, and future directions are also discussed.

Graphical abstract: A new family of carbon materials: synthesis of MOF-derived nanoporous carbons and their promising applications
From the themed collection: 10th Anniversary: Most popular articles
Application

The fabrication and surface functionalization of porous metal frameworks – a review

Porous metal frameworks offer potentially useful applications for the aerospace, automotive and bio-medical industries.

Graphical abstract: The fabrication and surface functionalization of porous metal frameworks – a review
Feature Article

Polymer–metal-oxide hybrid solar cells

This paper presents a review of the current status and development of polymer–inorganic hybrid solar cells based on metal oxide nanocrystals by focusing the discussion on TiO2 and ZnO. The main challenges in the development of polymer–metal-oxide hybrid solar cells consisting of both bulk heterojunctions and nanostructured hybrid device architectures are identified, and strategies for improving the device performances are also discussed.

Graphical abstract: Polymer–metal-oxide hybrid solar cells
Open Access Feature Article

Carbon–sulfur composites for Li–S batteries: status and prospects

Recent advances in the carbon–sulfur composite cathodes for Li–S batteries and comments on the prospects of this emerging area have been highlighted.

Graphical abstract: Carbon–sulfur composites for Li–S batteries: status and prospects
From the themed collection: Porous Carbon Materials
Open Access Feature Article

Functional hybrids based on biogenic nanofibrils and inorganic nanomaterials

This feature article reviews some of the recent work on the fabrication of functional hybrids based on biogenic nanofibers and inorganic nanomaterials with an emphasis on their functional properties and suggested potential applications.

Graphical abstract: Functional hybrids based on biogenic nanofibrils and inorganic nanomaterials
Feature Article

Ca-based synthetic materials with enhanced CO2 capture efficiency

This manuscript reviews the development of novel sorbents to improve the CO2 capture performance of natural limestone at Ca-looping conditions.

Graphical abstract: Ca-based synthetic materials with enhanced CO2 capture efficiency
Communication

Monodisperse Cu@PtCu nanocrystals and their conversion into hollow-PtCu nanostructures for methanol oxidation

Bimetallic Cu@PtCu nanocrystals were prepared by an efficient one-pot synthetic strategy and were converted into hollow-PtCu nanostructures as an enhanced catalyst for methanol electro-oxidation.

Graphical abstract: Monodisperse Cu@PtCu nanocrystals and their conversion into hollow-PtCu nanostructures for methanol oxidation
Communication

A zero-strain insertion cathode material of nickel ferricyanide for sodium-ion batteries

Nickel ferricyanide is demonstrated as a zero-strain cathode material for room-temperature Na-ion batteries with superior cycling stability.

Graphical abstract: A zero-strain insertion cathode material of nickel ferricyanide for sodium-ion batteries
Communication

Photon upconversion facilitated molecular solar energy storage

Photon upconversion is used to transform green photons into blue photons for solar fuel production in a continuous flow microfluidic reactor.

Graphical abstract: Photon upconversion facilitated molecular solar energy storage
Communication

Solar rechargeable redox flow battery based on Li2WO4/LiI couples in dual-phase electrolytes

A solar rechargeable redox flow battery based on Li2WO4/LiI couples in dual-phase electrolytes presents feasible solar rechargeable capability.

Graphical abstract: Solar rechargeable redox flow battery based on Li2WO4/LiI couples in dual-phase electrolytes
Communication

Electrophoretic fabrication of highly robust, efficient, and benign heterojunction photoelectrocatalysts based on graphene-quantum-dot sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays

Highly robust, efficient, and benign photoelectrocatalysts based on graphene-quantum-dot sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays have been fabricated by electrophoretic assembly.

Graphical abstract: Electrophoretic fabrication of highly robust, efficient, and benign heterojunction photoelectrocatalysts based on graphene-quantum-dot sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays
Communication

Synthesis and catalytic applications of hierarchical mesoporous AlPO4/ZnAlPO4 for direct hydroxylation of benzene to phenol using hydrogen peroxide

Amorphous hierarchical mesoporous AlPO4 and ZnAlPO4 materials have been successfully synthesized by a simple physical mixing method. The materials exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the production of phenol from benzene.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis and catalytic applications of hierarchical mesoporous AlPO4/ZnAlPO4 for direct hydroxylation of benzene to phenol using hydrogen peroxide
Communication

Revealing the structural properties of hydrogenated black TiO2 nanocrystals

Detailed analysis of the structural properties of hydrogenated black TiO2 nanocrystals is presented based on X-ray diffraction measurements and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy examination.

Graphical abstract: Revealing the structural properties of hydrogenated black TiO2 nanocrystals
Communication

ZnO photonic crystals with enhanced photocatalytic activity and photostability

ZnO photonic crystals are prepared via a new approach and show excellent photoactivity and photostability relative to ordinary ZnO nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract: ZnO photonic crystals with enhanced photocatalytic activity and photostability
Open Access Communication

The reaction between Nafion sulfonyl fluoride precursor membrane and 1,4-dimethylpiperazine does not yield reliable anion-exchange membranes

The reaction between Nafion® sulfonyl fluoride precursor membrane and the cyclic diamine 1,4-dimethylpiperazine followed by aqueous work up yields polymer electrolytes with zero anion-exchange capacity but high cation-exchange capacities.

Graphical abstract: The reaction between Nafion sulfonyl fluoride precursor membrane and 1,4-dimethylpiperazine does not yield reliable anion-exchange membranes
Communication

Thermodynamic control of iron pyrite nanocrystal synthesis with high photoactivity and stability

The shape and surface facet controlled synthesis of FeS2 nanocrystals shows enhanced photostability.

Graphical abstract: Thermodynamic control of iron pyrite nanocrystal synthesis with high photoactivity and stability
Paper

Finite size effects on the structural progression induced by lithiation of V2O5: a combined diffraction and Raman spectroscopy study

Scaling to finite size drastically accelerates the structural phase progressions induced upon lithiation of V2O5.

Graphical abstract: Finite size effects on the structural progression induced by lithiation of V2O5: a combined diffraction and Raman spectroscopy study
Paper

Strong transparent magnetic nanopaper prepared by immobilization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in a nanofibrillated cellulose network

Flexible, transparent, strong, magnetic paper is obtained by immobilizing Fe3O4 nanoparticles in a 3D nanofibrillated cellulose network. The nanopaper possesses high magnetic properties, with tensile strength more than 120 MPa.

Graphical abstract: Strong transparent magnetic nanopaper prepared by immobilization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in a nanofibrillated cellulose network
Paper

Bidirectional actuation of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer

A thermo-mechanically trained polyurethane elastomer expanded during crystallization, driven by orientation of polymer chains, and contracted on crystallite melting due to entropy-elastic chain recoiling.

Graphical abstract: Bidirectional actuation of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer
Paper

Can closed shell graphitic materials be exfoliated? Defect induced porphyra-like graphene from the cooperation of activation and oxidation

Due to its inert closed-shell structure, the graphitic onion-like carbon (GOC) could not be exfoliated into a graphene-like structure by a simple Hummers' method even under rigorous conditions.

Graphical abstract: Can closed shell graphitic materials be exfoliated? Defect induced porphyra-like graphene from the cooperation of activation and oxidation
Paper

In situ synthesis and thermoelectric properties of PbTe–graphene nanocomposites by utilizing a facile and novel wet chemical method

A novel wet chemical method was developed for the in situ synthesis of PbTe–graphene nanocomposites which show improved thermoelectric performance.

Graphical abstract: In situ synthesis and thermoelectric properties of PbTe–graphene nanocomposites by utilizing a facile and novel wet chemical method
Paper

Highly efficient and robust oxygen evolution catalysts achieved by anchoring nanocrystalline cobalt oxides onto mildly oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Smart and strong coupling of Co3O4 with carbon nanotubes leads to the formation of highly efficient OER catalysts.

Graphical abstract: Highly efficient and robust oxygen evolution catalysts achieved by anchoring nanocrystalline cobalt oxides onto mildly oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Paper

Polypyrrole nanofiber–carbon nanotube electrodes for supercapacitors with high mass loading obtained using an organic dye as a co-dispersant

Polypyrrole nanofiber–carbon nanotube electrodes for supercapacitors with high mass loading and enhanced performance were obtained and tested.

Graphical abstract: Polypyrrole nanofiber–carbon nanotube electrodes for supercapacitors with high mass loading obtained using an organic dye as a co-dispersant
Paper

Hot deformation induced bulk nanostructuring of unidirectionally grown p-type (Bi,Sb)2Te3 thermoelectric materials

A hot deformation induced in situ nanostructuring process is applied to the commercial unidirectionally grown p-type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 ingots, and an enhanced ZT of ∼1.3 has been achieved.

Graphical abstract: Hot deformation induced bulk nanostructuring of unidirectionally grown p-type (Bi,Sb)2Te3 thermoelectric materials
Paper

Polymer brush-functionalized surfaces with unique reversible double-stimulus responsive wettability

Smart surfaces with reversible double-stimulus responsive wettability are fabricated by grafting of V-shaped polymer brushes onto functional SiO2 films.

Graphical abstract: Polymer brush-functionalized surfaces with unique reversible double-stimulus responsive wettability
Paper

Carbon nanofibers derived from cellulose nanofibers as a long-life anode material for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries

Carbon nanofibers derived from cellulose exhibit superior cyclability when used as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Carbon nanofibers derived from cellulose nanofibers as a long-life anode material for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries
Paper

Single-crystal FeFe(CN)6 nanoparticles: a high capacity and high rate cathode for Na-ion batteries

Ferriferricyanide FeIIIFeIII(CN)6, a model compound of Prussian blue analogues, demonstrated a stable Na-storage capacity of 120 mA h g−1, promising for Na ion battery applications.

Graphical abstract: Single-crystal FeFe(CN)6 nanoparticles: a high capacity and high rate cathode for Na-ion batteries
Paper

Characterization of layered silicate HUS-5 and formation of novel nanoporous silica through transformation of HUS-5 ion-exchanged with alkylammonium cations

Transformation between HUS-5 and HUS-1 was a reversible process. HUS-5 ion-exchanged with C16TMA was converted to a novel porous silica HUS-6.

Graphical abstract: Characterization of layered silicate HUS-5 and formation of novel nanoporous silica through transformation of HUS-5 ion-exchanged with alkylammonium cations
Paper

3D porous layered double hydroxides grown on graphene as advanced electrochemical pseudocapacitor materials

A graphene–NiAl-LDH composite exhibits novel morphology and superior electrochemistry properties for applications in energy storage.

Graphical abstract: 3D porous layered double hydroxides grown on graphene as advanced electrochemical pseudocapacitor materials
Paper

Surface passivation and band engineering: a way toward high efficiency graphene–planar Si solar cells

High-efficiency graphene–planar Si solar cells are fabricated by modifying the Si surface as well as tuning the interface band alignment.

Graphical abstract: Surface passivation and band engineering: a way toward high efficiency graphene–planar Si solar cells
Paper

Engineering highly efficient Eu(III)-based tri-ureasil hybrids toward luminescent solar concentrators

Transparent monolith (MtU5Eu-II) and thin film (FtU5Eu-II) with increased UV-photostability and exhibiting the highest emission quantum yields reported so far for Eu3+-containing hybrids (63 ± 6% and 48 ± 5%) were synthesized. The possibility of FtU5Eu-II to be used as LSC was evaluated and an optical conversion efficiency of ~9% was verified.

Graphical abstract: Engineering highly efficient Eu(iii)-based tri-ureasil hybrids toward luminescent solar concentrators
Paper

A Sn–SnS–C nanocomposite as anode host materials for Na-ion batteries

A Sn–SnS–C nanocomposite, synthesized by a simple mechanical ball-milling method, can deliver a higher reversible Na-storage capacity of >600 mA h g−1 at 20 mA g−1 and greatly improved cycling stability with 87% capacity retention over 150 cycles, possibly serving as a high capacity and stable anode for Na-ion battery applications.

Graphical abstract: A Sn–SnS–C nanocomposite as anode host materials for Na-ion batteries
Paper

A facile strategy for the preparation of well-dispersed bimetal oxide CuFe2O4 nanoparticles supported on mesoporous silica

The dispersion of the metal oxide nanoparticles depends on whether the intermediate is “wet” or “dry”.

Graphical abstract: A facile strategy for the preparation of well-dispersed bimetal oxide CuFe2O4 nanoparticles supported on mesoporous silica
Open Access Paper

A novel polymeric precursor for micro/mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbons

A poly(ionic liquid) when carbonized without any template produced micro/mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbons.

Graphical abstract: A novel polymeric precursor for micro/mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbons
Paper

Construction of high strength hollow fibers by self-assembly of a stiff polysaccharide with short branches in water

The high strength hollow fibers and uniform nanofibers were prepared directly from the comb-like polysaccharide with short branches in water via a hierarchical self-assembly process, similar to the fiber formation in nature.

Graphical abstract: Construction of high strength hollow fibers by self-assembly of a stiff polysaccharide with short branches in water
Paper

High performance robust F-doped tin oxide based oxygen evolution electro-catalysts for PEM based water electrolysis

Novel aqueous chemistry derived nanostructured (Sn0.8Ir0.2)O2:F thin films exhibit excellent electrochemical activity and durability for OER in water electrolysis.

Graphical abstract: High performance robust F-doped tin oxide based oxygen evolution electro-catalysts for PEM based water electrolysis
Paper

Nanocasting of hierarchical nanostructured porous carbon in molecular dynamics simulation

Mimetic nanocasting was developed using quenched molecular dynamics to generate hierarchical nanostructured porous carbons (HNPCs) with both mesopores and micropores, which allow us to differentiate the effect of each of the many synthesis parameters on the resulting porous structures and provide guidelines for their optimal experimental design.

Graphical abstract: Nanocasting of hierarchical nanostructured porous carbon in molecular dynamics simulation
Paper

Transparent, stretchable, carbon-nanotube-inlaid conductors enabled by standard replication technology for capacitive pressure, strain and touch sensors

A facile standard replication approach for fabricating transparent, carbon-nanotube-inlaid elastic conductors and capacitive sensors is demonstrated.

Graphical abstract: Transparent, stretchable, carbon-nanotube-inlaid conductors enabled by standard replication technology for capacitive pressure, strain and touch sensors
Paper

Directed phase separation of PFO:PS blends during spin-coating using feedback controlled in situ stroboscopic fluorescence microscopy

Direct observation and control over morphological development through the use of feedback in situ stroboscopic fluorescence microscopy.

Graphical abstract: Directed phase separation of PFO:PS blends during spin-coating using feedback controlled in situ stroboscopic fluorescence microscopy
Paper

Cobalt and nitrogen-cofunctionalized graphene as a durable non-precious metal catalyst with enhanced ORR activity,

We demonstrated a facile method to synthesize nanosheet-like cobalt–nitrogen–graphene composites acting as a highly active non precious metal-based catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction.

Graphical abstract: Cobalt and nitrogen-cofunctionalized graphene as a durable non-precious metal catalyst with enhanced ORR activity,
Paper

A facile method for the fabrication of superhydrophobic films with multiresponsive and reversibly tunable wettability

Superhydrophobic films with tunable wettability, fast response to UV light, heat and pH, as well as excellent reversibility were fabricated by a facile method.

Graphical abstract: A facile method for the fabrication of superhydrophobic films with multiresponsive and reversibly tunable wettability
Paper

C–H activation: making diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives easily accessible

The facile and versatile synthesis of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based functional molecules via the direct arylation of C–H bonds was reported.

Graphical abstract: C–H activation: making diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives easily accessible
Paper

Assemblies of silver nanocubes for highly sensitive SERS chemical vapor detection

Extremely high sensitivity has been achieved for SERS detection with porous substrates with assembled silver nanocubes.

Graphical abstract: Assemblies of silver nanocubes for highly sensitive SERS chemical vapor detection
Paper

Transition metal oxide alloys as potential solar energy conversion materials

First principles quantum mechanics calculations reveal that alloying metal oxides can improve key properties for efficient solar energy conversion.

Graphical abstract: Transition metal oxide alloys as potential solar energy conversion materials
Paper

A microporous metal–organic framework assembled from an aromatic tetracarboxylate for H2 purification

A new NbO-type metal–organic framework UTSA-40a has been realized for high-pressure H2 purification with high productivities and low regeneration costs.

Graphical abstract: A microporous metal–organic framework assembled from an aromatic tetracarboxylate for H2 purification
Paper

A sulfur-assisted strategy to decorate MWCNTs with highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles for counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells

MWCNTs decorated with highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles by a sulfur assisted strategy and applied as a highly efficient CE in DSCs.

Graphical abstract: A sulfur-assisted strategy to decorate MWCNTs with highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles for counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells
Paper

Efficient catalytic conversion of ammonia borane to borazine and its use for hexagonal boron nitride (white graphene)

Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) prepared in tetraglyme (TG) efficiently catalyzed the conversion of ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3) to borazine (B3N3H6).

Graphical abstract: Efficient catalytic conversion of ammonia borane to borazine and its use for hexagonal boron nitride (white graphene)
Paper

Magnesium and magnesium-silicide coated silicon nanowire composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Mg and Mg2Si coatings are found to be beneficial for the coulombic efficiency of silicon nanowires. Agglomeration and subsequent delamination are identified as an important capacity degradation mechanism during cycling.

Graphical abstract: Magnesium and magnesium-silicide coated silicon nanowire composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Paper

Surface aging at olivine LiFePO4: a direct visual observation of iron dissolution and the protection role of nano-carbon coating

A direct visual observation of iron dissolution and the protection role of nano-carbon coating in LiFePO4 was performed and identified by various advanced surface analysis techniques.

Graphical abstract: Surface aging at olivine LiFePO4: a direct visual observation of iron dissolution and the protection role of nano-carbon coating
Paper

Multi-layered mesoporous TiO2 thin films with large pores and highly crystalline frameworks for efficient photoelectrochemical conversion

Multi-layered mesoporous TiO2 thin film with CdS sensitization is synthesized for photoelectrochemical solar cells.

Graphical abstract: Multi-layered mesoporous TiO2 thin films with large pores and highly crystalline frameworks for efficient photoelectrochemical conversion
Paper

Synthesis and characterization of Thermally Rearranged (TR) polymers: influence of ortho-positioned functional groups of polyimide precursors on TR process and gas transport properties

Highly permeable, highly selective polymer membranes obtained via molecular thermal rearrangement (TR) of chemically derivatized polyimide precursors.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis and characterization of Thermally Rearranged (TR) polymers: influence of ortho-positioned functional groups of polyimide precursors on TR process and gas transport properties
Paper

A microporous metal–organic framework with both open metal and Lewis basic pyridyl sites for highly selective C2H2/CH4 and C2H2/CO2 gas separation at room temperature

A microporous metal–organic framework with open metal sites, Lewis basic pyridyl sites and optimized pore sizes was targeted to exhibit highly selective C2H2/CH4 and C2H2/CO2 gas separation at room temperature.

Graphical abstract: A microporous metal–organic framework with both open metal and Lewis basic pyridyl sites for highly selective C2H2/CH4 and C2H2/CO2 gas separation at room temperature
Paper

Vanadium pentoxide cathode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries enabled by a hierarchical nanoflower structure via an electrochemical process

We present an electrochemical process to fabricate hierarchical vanadium oxide nanoflowers, which deliver high reversible specific capacities and excellent cycling stability.

Graphical abstract: Vanadium pentoxide cathode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries enabled by a hierarchical nanoflower structure via an electrochemical process
53 items

About this collection

This web collection features all the articles published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A in 2013 that were marked as HOT, as recommended by referees. Selections of these were posted weekly on the Journal of Materials Chemistry Blog. Congratulations to all the authors whose articles have been featured!

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